Citrusy with a hint of spice, Bergamot essential oil has a lustrous aroma and a range of dynamic uses. Derived from the peel of citrus fruit (Citrus bergamia) through a cold-processed method, Bergamot is unique in its ability to help ease the mind while promoting mental clarity.

This small inedible fruit, grown in the Mediterranean climate was named after the town of Bergamo, Italy, where it is said, it was first distilled. It has long been used in Italian holistic medicine to reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep.

Quite famously, Bergamot oil gives the world's most popular scented, flavored drink - Earl Grey tea - its vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.

What Is Bergamot Essential Oil Used For?

Many people consider Bergamot the most luxurious of all the citrus essential oils and it seems to be popping up everywhere.

Fashion houses like Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana are adding Bergamot to their fragrance lines (although likely synthetic rather than pure essential oil) while natural beauty brands use it as a secret ingredient for luminous skin and hair.

Bergamot is also a favorite as a natural sleep remedy. It helps reduce stress on the body and mind. Bergamot oil's natural compounds have also been found to help relieve pain and inflammation. There is also some research to suggest that Bergamot oil can help lower cholesterol levels.

Bergamot For Sleep

If you have yet to try Bergamot, you are in for a treat. Diffusing Bergamot with Lavender before bedtime can lead to sweet, restful sleep. The clean, uplifting citrus aroma can brighten your day and enhance feelings of well-being. It has an unbeatable aroma and an array of restorative therapeutic benefits.

A 2019 study found that Bergamot was effective in improving the sleep quality of cardiac rehabilitation patients. During the study, each subject was given a cotton ball infused with Lavender, Bergamot and Ylang Ylang to place at their bedsides for five nights. The researchers concluded that the sleep quality of the patients was significantly better when they inhaled the essential oil blend.

Interestingly, the authors of the study also acknowledged the affordability of aromatherapy over more conventional and mainstream methods to improve sleep quality. At Edens Garden, we work hard to keep our prices as fair and reasonable as possible so everyone can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. 

Bergamot For Stress & Anxiety

A powerful citrus essential oil, Bergamot is renowned for its uplifting and bright aroma. Numerous studies show that Bergamot can be effective in helping to reduce anxiety and stress. When used in aromatherapy, Bergamot can also help positively improve the mood and feelings of fatigue.

According to a 2015 study, inhaling Bergamot led to a decrease in cortisol levels (also known as the "fight or flight" hormone). By helping the body let go of stress, Bergamot can help you get a handle on anxious thoughts.

Add a few drops to a diffuser to create a relaxing environment or try this diffuser recipe:

Anxiety-Relief Essential Oil Recipe

• 4 drops Lavender

• 4 drops Patchouli

• 4 drops Bergamot
  
  

Bergamot For Skin & Hair

Rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Bergamot oil is powerful on the skin. It's a great natural treatment for pimples, oily skin, cysts and blackheads. It also has analgesic properties which can reduce the sensitive pain that can sometimes accompany uncomfortable skin conditions.

Traditionally, Bergamot is used for its antiseptic qualities to help disinfect the skin and support the healing of minor skin issues. Bergamot contains limonene, linalyl acetate and linalool which all work to promote skin health.

To use on the skin, dilute Bergamot essential oil at 1% with a carrier oil. Some of our favorite carrier oils for the face include Sweet Almond oil, Jojoba oil and Fractionated Coconut oil. Jojoba has a texture similar to our skin's natural sebum, which means that it absorbs easily. 

It should be noted that Bergamot can cause the skin to have an increased sensitivity to sun exposure so it’s best to avoid sunlight after use.  For a breakdown of essential oils with phototoxic effects, read our blog post, "Phototoxic Essential Oils and What You Need to Know About Them."

Similar to its skincare benefits, Bergamot can have a radical effect on hair. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity naturally cleanse the scalp to encourage healthier hair growth. By adding a few drops to your shampoo, you can help increase circulation on the scalp for a total hair upgrade.

Bergamot Favorites

Bergamot essential oil is included in many of our blends and other natural products like our Rose Bergamot body oil because of its rich benefits. To make it easy, we've listed some of our favorite products made with the citrusy powerhouse. Get ready to fall in love.

 
Allure

The blend has an enticing and captivating aroma that works with your body's natural chemistry to create a unique aroma. Diffuse Allure in your home to add a touch of elegance or simply wear it as an all-natural perfume.

Citrus Cream

If you can't live without the energizing zest of citrus aromas, Citrus Cream will knock your socks off. It has a rejuvenating, fresh and fruity aroma with a hint of Vanilla.

Fearless

Beyond encouraging boldness, Fearless synergy blend helps you shed negative thinking and slide into contentment. Its fresh and woody aroma can improve your ability to move through guilt or aid in your ability to forgive others.

Gal Pal

Apply a few drops of Gal Pal along with a carrier oil to your abdomen. Its cooling and soothing quality make it an excellent choice for times when we need to refresh our senses.

Good Night

A pleasantly cozy blend that promotes calm and restfulness. Good Night possesses layers of individual oils, each with unique soothing properties that help you sink deeply into the pillow.

Good Night Body Oil

Perfect for pouring into a warm bath, Good Night body oil can help relax your body and quiet your mind. This body oil is a calming combination of florals and herbs that'll keep you counting sheep.

Meditation

With a warm and citrusy aroma, Meditation can help promote mental vigor while working as a natural uplifting agent. It can also stimulate the senses and boost the memory functions of the brain.

PMS Ease

Not only does PMS Ease actually help relieve cramping, nausea, hot flashes and moodiness, but its aroma is also floral and fruity in the most lovely way.

Rose Bergamot Body Oil

The silky formula of Rose Bergamot body oil can help calm and protect the skin as it captivates your senses. Its natural ingredients deeply hydrate dry skin and help combat premature aging.

*This blog was updated March 2021

Sources:

1. Giglio RV, Patti AM, Nikolic D, Li Volti G, Al-Rasadi K, Katsiki N, Mikhailidis DP, Montalto G, Ivanova E, Orekhov AN, Rizzo M. The effect of bergamot on dyslipidemia. Phytomedicine. 2016 Oct 15;23(11):1175-81. doi: 10.1016/j.p

2. McDonnell, Brenda, BSN, RN, CCAP-I, PCCN-K,1,* and Patricia Newcomb, PhD, RN, CPNP2 Trial of Essential Oils to Improve Sleep for Patients in Cardiac Rehabilitation https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/acm.2019.0222 

3. Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application.Frontiers in pharmacology, 6 , 36. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2015.00036 

4. Watanabe, E., Kuchta, K., Kimura, M., Rauwald, H. W., Kamei, T., & Imanishi, J. (2015). Effects of bergamot ( Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil aromatherapy on mood states, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and salivary cortisol levels in 41 healthy females. Forschende Komplementärmedizin (2006), 22 (1), 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1159/000380989